EC halts transfers, recruitments in public and police service

Colombo: Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya has requested the Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K. Illangakoon to temporarily halt police transfers in areas where local government elections are scheduled to be held on 8 October.

The request has reportedly been made following reports received by the Elections Commissioner about police transfers taking place in some areas where elections are to be held.  Independent election monitors earlier said that complaints had also been received about recruitment taking place in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), which is to face elections on 8 October.

According to election laws, transfers and recruitments in the public and police service cannot take place during the period of an election.  Meanwhile, Elections Commissioner Deshapriya is to meet secretaries of the political parties contesting the forthcoming local government elections today. (Colombo Page)